Norway has become the latest country to announce a social media ban for children, joining a growing list of nations seeking to protect young people online. The Norwegian government confirmed it will present a bill this year that prohibits social networks for individuals under the age of 16, placing the responsibility for age verification firmly on technology companies.
Prime Minister's Statement
Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store said in a statement: 'We are introducing this legislation because we want a childhood where children get to be children. Play, friendships, and everyday life must not be taken over by algorithms and screens.' He added: 'This is an important measure to safeguard children's digital lives.'
European and Global Context
Several European countries, including France, Spain, and Denmark, have already announced plans to introduce a digital age of majority for social networks. Others, such as Australia and Turkey, have already implemented similar bans. However, the United Kingdom has rejected social media bans for under-16s, with MPs voting against such measures for the third time this week.
The European Commission has also made clear its determination to protect children and adolescents, unveiling an age-verification app in mid-April that will soon be available to European citizens.
Technology Companies' Responsibility
Norwegian Minister of Digitalisation and Public Governance Karianne Tung emphasized: 'I expect technology companies to ensure that the age limit is respected. Children cannot be left with the responsibility for staying away from platforms they are not allowed to use. That responsibility rests with the companies providing these services. They must implement effective age verification and comply with the law from day one.'
Existing Measures in Norway
The Norwegian government noted that the number of children with phones or using social media has already declined due to a host of measures already taken, including national screen-time guidelines and recommendations for mobile-free schools.
UK Rejects Similar Ban
Earlier this week, British MPs once again rejected plans to ban social media for under-16s, marking the third time Parliament has denied the measure. MPs voted 260 to 161 against an amendment to the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill that would have raised the minimum age of social media usage to 16 within a year.
Education Minister Olivia Bailey told the Commons that a comprehensive consultation is needed before any measures to restrict social media are put in place. She stated: 'There is a clear consensus across this House on the need to protect children online. But our consultation goes further than these amendments, considering a wider set of options, including risks beyond social media such as gaming and AI chatbots. It is not a question of whether the Government acts, but how the Government acts to deliver strong and enduring protections for children online.'
